Miles Starforth

PAUL Dummett has been passed fit to face West Bromwich Albion at St James’s Park afternoon.

The Newcastle United defender felt his hamstring during his comeback against Leicester City last weekend.

And head coach John Carver – whose side are just two points above the Premier League’s relegation zone – desperately needed him to be available with defensive duo Daryl Janmaat and Mike Williamson, both sent off during the 3-0 defeat at the King Power Stadium, suspended for the West Brom match.

Carver’s players broke their usual routine for a home match by staying at a Quayside hotel last night.

The team made the short journey to the stadium together on the team bus.

Dummett will partner captain Fabricio Coloccini – who wrote an open letter to fans this week apologising for the team’s dismal form – in the heart of Carver’s defence.

Striker Papiss Demba Cisse – who has served a seven-match ban for spitting – is among the substitutes for the game (3pm kick-off).

Fit-again winger Rolando Aarons is also on United’s bench after recovering from the hamstring and thigh injuries which have sidelined him for the past six months.